President Barack Obama has nominated Navy Vice Adm. William H. McRaven for promotion to admiral and to lead U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., the Defense Department announced late Wednesday.

“Admiral McRaven, a former commander of SEAL Team 3 and Special Operations Command Europe, has led a JSOC [Joint Special Operations Command] team that has been ruthlessly and effectively taking the fight to America’s most dangerous and vicious enemies,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said at a March 1 press briefing when he recommended him for the job.

It was announced Feb. 15 that Army Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel was being nominated for a third star and as commander of Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., McRaven’s current position. The Senate confirmed Votel’s move on March 16.

If confirmed by the Senate, McRaven would succeed Navy Adm. Eric T. Olson, who has headed the command since 2007.